Entertainment industry in Assam worst hit due to COVID-19 lockdown

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Uncertainty haunts the entertainment industry in Assam – both cinema and mobile theatre. If fact, this industry is the worst affected one by COVID-19 in the State as the ban on shows had been imposed in the State much before March 24 mid-night when the lockdown started in the entire nation. Entertainment shows had to be banned to stop mass gatherings.

This year mobile theatres had to pack up from the stage a month before the end of its season. Usually, the season of mobile theatre starts in July-end and continues up to April. The rehearsal starts in August-end.

The early end of mobile theatre season has badly affected people involved in the industry like technicians, drivers, make-up artistes, people engaged in settings and other workers, besides the artistes and producers.

Talking to The Sentinel, Sankalpajiit Hazarika, producer and director of Hengool Theatre, said, "Uncertainty continues to haunt mobile theatres. We're not sure as to when, even after the withdrawal of the lockdown, staging of shows will start. Because of ban of mass gatherings cinemas and mobile theatres may not be allowed for a long time – we don't know how long. Since its inception, mobile theatres have never faced any such situation. Even during the six-year-long Assam Agitation, mobile theatres continued to stage shows across the State.

"Every mobile theatre has 120-150 associated people for doing diverse jobs. They've hungry mouths to feed. If the chain of mobile theatre breaks, such families in the State will be badly affected. We, however, keep our hope alive that mobile theatres will continue to thrive in the State. We're even ready to start the mobile theatre season late, say from October instead of August if the State government permits. The industry has to survive."

Prastuti Porasor, actress and executive producer of

Awahan Thetre, said, "Entertainment is the worst affected industry in the State during COVID-19 outbreak. I was supposed to start the shooting of an Assamese movie from April-end this year. However, that venture had to be deferred for next year due to the lockdown. We're worried over the future of mobile theatre. When will the government allow us to stage shows is quite uncertain. The State has 40-50 mobile theatre troupes, each giving means of livelihood to many people – ranging from daily-wagers to technicians to artistes – directly or indirectly. We're ready to start the season late if the government allows. We're doing our works like scripts indoors."

Moonmi Phukan, actress in mobile theatre, cinema and TV serials, said, "Most of the people working in mobile theatre, cinema and TV serials are no different from daily-wage earners. However, the COVID-19 lockdown has stopped their activities. Now they're spending the little savings that have. How long can they continue like this? Even shootings for TV serials are not allowed. If the coming season for mobile theatre is not started, many families in the State will have to face starvation. Some people extended relief among the mobile theatre workers and cine workers, but that are temporary succour. The State government should think of a package for mobile theatre and cine workers."

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